the 941

Sarasota Police now have the authority to tow vehicles that are playing loud music. That’s right, not just issue aa ticket, but tow the vehicle, which of course, costs a bunch of money to get back. The standard threshold for making the impound is if the music can be heard from 25 feet away. I did a test in my driveway last night and I could hear NPR’s All Things Considered from 25 feet away while the windows were rolled up and the radio was playing at a normal volume.

Mind you, I have had cars roll by cranking enough bass to ripple the water in my swimming pool, but what is this new law really about? Are we really going to condone the government theft of people’s personal vehicles simply because the music is too loud?

We’ve decided to do a test. Various Creative Loafing staffers are going to drive around certain neighborhoods in the city and try to get their vehicle impounded. All will be playing loud music. Some will be playing Glen Campbell. Some will be playing Ice Cube. What’s to bet that Gentle on My Mind attracts less attention than When Will They Shoot? Stay tuned.

For now, here’s a little Glen and a little Cube. Crank ‘em both.

Bookmark to:

Posted in Breaking News, Current Affairs, Editor's Desk, News, Politics | Leave a comment